d d

Science and Innovation Network Japan

Sources of Funding 4th Edition

2015Collaborat

ion

UK-Japan

Science &

Innovation

Collaboration

2 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

How to use this guide

We’ve catalogued over 40 different funds in detail. We’ve tried to make them cross-comparable with a standardised presentation, for your ease of reference. Feel free to read this cover to cover, if you’re keen!

To make it easier still to find the fund you need, we’ve added a lookup chart to help you identify which funding might work best for you.

Please give us feedback! Please do let us know how this guide works out for you. In particular:

o Did this guide help you find funding or build a collaboration?

o Were there any difficulties using this guide, or improvements you’d suggest for future iterations?

o Did we miss any sources of funding? We’re always keen to add more.

SIN Japan contact details

Please contact us anytime:

Email: science.tokyo@fco.gov.uk or science.osaka@fco.gov.uk

Twitter: @UKScienceJapan

www: www.gov.uk/world/japan

3 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Contents

How to use this guide ................................................................................................................................ 2

SIN Japan contact details ........................................................................................................................... 2

Japan-UK collaboration – an introduction ................................................................................................. 6

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Research Networking ................................................... 12

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): International Placements Scheme ............................... 12

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): David Phillips Scholarship ............... 13

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): International Workshops ................ 13

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): International Scientific Interchange

Scheme (ISIS) ............................................................................................................................................ 14

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): Japan Partnering Awards ................ 14

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC): Fellowships ............................................ 15

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC): Overseas Travel Grants ......................... 15

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): Open Research Area ...................................................... 16

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): Research Seminars Competition ................................... 16

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): International Opportunities Fund ............................... 17

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): Visiting Researchers .................................................... 17

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC): Fellowships ............................................................... 18

Royal Society: Newton International Fellowships ................................................................................... 18

Royal Society: International Exchange Scheme ....................................................................................... 19

Royal Society of Edinburgh: Personal Research Fellowships ................................................................... 19

Royal Society of Edinburgh: JM Lessells Travel Scholarships ................................................................... 20

Royal Academy of Engineering: International Research Collaborations ................................................. 21

British Academy: International Partnership and Mobility Scheme (IPM)................................................ 22

British Academy: Newton International Fellowship Scheme .................................................................. 22

Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation: Grants ............................................................................................ 23

Sasakawa Foundation: Sasakawa Butterfield Awards ............................................................................. 24

Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation .......................................................................................................... 24

Leverhulme Trust: International Academic Fellowships .......................................................................... 25

Leverhulme Trust: Visiting Professorships ............................................................................................... 25

Leverhulme Trust: International Networks.............................................................................................. 26

Wellcome Trust: Pathfinders Awards ...................................................................................................... 26

Wellcome Trust: Seeding Drug Discovery ................................................................................................ 27

Wellcome Trust: Translation Fund ........................................................................................................... 27

4 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Wellcome Trust: Portfolio Awards ........................................................................................................... 28

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Travel Grants ..................................................................................... 28

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Travel Grants for RSC Interest Groups............................................... 29

2. Funding schemes administered in Japan ............................................................................................ 30

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT): Scholarships ......................... 30

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Postdoctoral Fellowship for Overseas Researchers 30

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Invitation Fellowships for Research in Japan ......... 31

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): BRIDGE Fellowship Program .................................. 32

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)：JSPS-ERC Collaboration Framework ................. 32

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Core-to-Core Program ............................................ 33

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)：Bilateral Cooperation Program – Open Partnership

Joint Research Projects/Seminars -.......................................................................................................... 33

RIKEN Brain Science Institute: Summer School ....................................................................................... 34

RIKEN: Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program (SPDR) ...................................................................... 34

Kyoto University: Hakubi Project to Foster and Support Young Researchers ......................................... 34

Suntory Foundation: Research Support ................................................................................................... 35

Takeda Science Foundation: Research Assist .......................................................................................... 35

Toshiba: Fellowship Programme .............................................................................................................. 35

Shionogi: Shionogi Science Program ........................................................................................................ 36

TEPCO Memorial Foundation .................................................................................................................. 36

European Commission (EU): The Vulcanus in Japan ................................................................................ 38

European Commission (EU): The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions ......................................................... 38

International Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO): Human Frontier Science

Programme .............................................................................................................................................. 39

Canon Foundation in Europe: Research Fellowships ............................................................................... 40

European Commission (EU): Horizon 2020 .............................................................................................. 40

Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................................. 42

5 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Foreword

The research relationship between the UK and Japan is blossoming. The UK ranks 4th

among Japan’s international

partners for research collaboration with almost 15,000 co-authored papers published in the period 2010-2014.

UK-Japanese co-authored research is also high quality, being cited almost 3 times more than the world average1.

More than 8,000 researchers travel between UK and Japanese universities every year, not to mention

collaborations and exchanges in large national and international facilities such as particle physics. Japan’s

expanding commitment to multilateral collaboration (through initiatives such as the European Horizon 2020

programme) also offers opportunities for UK and Japanese researchers to work together.

The UK government’s Science and Innovation team in Japan works to develop closer links between British and

Japanese researchers in priority areas. We help bring together the resources and expertise of both countries to

find ways to tackle global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity, aging society and infectious

diseases. We also help shape partnerships for driving innovation and growth, guided by UK priorities such as the

eight great technologies in which UK aims to become a global leader . These are areas in which the UK not only

has world-leading research but also has the potential to be at the forefront of commercialisation. Collaboration

with international partners on technology development is pivotal to sustaining this success and applying the

strengths of both our nations.

Our mission is to promote the UK’s high quality and diverse science base and strengthen it through partnership

with Japan. UK researchers are already highly mobile and internationally competitive1. We seek to share UK

experience and learn from best practice in Japan on science and innovation policy. We aim to increase access to

Japanese R&D for UK researchers and innovators, new research collaborations and exchanges and increase high-

value R&D-led investment into the UK.

We can tap into money from the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Global Partnership Fund

and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which has allowed us to fund a wide variety of UK-Japan

collaborative activity over the last few years. However, it is often difficult for researchers to know where to turn

for funding for the next stage to develop their collaboration. I hope this updated version of our popular brochure

helps you take your research partnership to the next level and I wish you every success in your future research.

Elizabeth Hogben

Head of Science & Innovation

British Embassy, Tokyo

1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/performance-of-the-uk-research-base-international-

comparison-2013

6 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Japan-UK collaboration – an introduction Every collaboration is different – from junior researchers meeting at a conference and building a lifelong

collaboration, to senior scientists seeking world-leading research partners. A wide range of support is available –

from funding for travel and networking, to research exchange, international fellowships and major research

grants. This booklet will point you to the best sources we know.

How to build a successful UK-Japan collaboration? Here are some insights from the researchers we have worked

with.

Building the relationship

Building international collaboration takes time. Language and cultural barriers can seem daunting – but are often

less of an issue in practice. The key thing is to start the conversation: “talk to Japanese researchers, don’t be put

off by wrong stereotypes”, UK-based researchers advise.

Partners need to understand each other’s strengths and ways of working, so be patient if it is not easy at first.

“Don’t be disappointed by unexpected complications in communicating”.

Small grants for travel and workshops can help overcame these challenges through face to face communication.

Using video rather than just email or phonecalls can help build the relationship. The good news is that there is a

lot of such ‘seed-corn’ funding around for research collaboration.

The bigger challenges can come when there are bigger amounts of money at stake. “Although there are many

sources of funding for travel, or for exchange visits and workshops between UK and Japan, it is difficult to find

funding for a more involved collaborative project.” This booklet includes a number of larger sources of funding –

which can be developed through meeting using smaller grants. Or one alternative solution is to combine sources

of funding. For one such successful long-term collaboration, ”there was not one large source of funding, but

instead multiple awards of smaller amounts.”

Enjoying the benefits

Researchers who build UK-Japan collaborations are seldom disappointed. And not just because of the great

professional experience of their new colleagues, or the great hardware or facilities they gained access to. “I was

very pleasantly surprised by finding very little differences in people way of working and general attitude to

research”. “It’s probably good to get UK researchers to visit Japan early in the process. Their visit will emphasize

to them that cultural and linguistic barriers are generally not the major problem.” Others noted their common

research goals and complementary skills and expertise. “We can make useful comparisons between UK/ Japan

experiences and approaches”.

Long-term research stays in Japan

Spending time living in Japan can be exciting and also quite different for researchers coming from the UK.”Expect

a different lifestyle, but don’t be afraid of small complications.” There’s increasing support in Japan (for

international researchers – some universities have full English-language research support units, and dedicated

staff to help international researchers make the most of their time here. There’s a wealth of resources and

advice available online – some examples below:

JSPS ‘s booklet, “Life in Japan for foreign researchers” -

https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/51_lifeInJapan.html

7 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Japan Student Services Organisation guide to studying in Japan:

http://www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/sgtj_e.html#contents

Nagoya University’s Handbook for Foreign Researchers

http://www.iech.provost.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/forresearcher_handbook.html

8 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Fund Comparison Table

The chart below aims to summarise the key features of each fund for ease of comparison/search. Please see the full entry for full details.

“UK/JP” columns denote which country’s researchers we think are likely to find this fund most

useful.

Org Fund Name Fields UKK JJP

Wo

rksh

op

s

Wo

rksh

op

s Tr

avel

/Exc

han

ge

Fello

wsh

ip

Re

sear

ch

Oth

er Call / D-

line

AHRC Research Networking Arts & humanities • • • Cont.

AHRC International Placements

Scheme

Arts & humanities • • Autumn/

winter

BBSRC David Phillips Scholarship Biotech, bio science • • • July

BBSRC International Workshops Biotech, bio science • • • Sept-Nov

BBSRC International Scientific

Interchange Scheme

Biotech, bio science • • Cont.

BBSRC Japan Partnering Awards Biotech, bio science • • • • Sept-Nov

EPSRC Fellowships Eng., Phys. (inc ICT,

health, etc)

• • Cont.

EPSRC Overseas Travel Grants Eng., Phys. (inc ICT,

health, etc)

• • Cont.

ESRC Open Research Area Econ, Soc., Pol sciences.

etc*

• • • • 2 x p/a

ESRC Research Seminars

Competition

Econ, Soc., Pol sciences.

etc*

• •

NERC International

Opportunities Fund

Environment • • • • April, Sept.

NERC Visiting Researchers Environment • • • •

STFC Fellowships Facilities physics, astro

etc.

• • • Sept

Royal Society Newton International

Fellowships

All * • • January

9 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Org Fund Name Fields UKK JJP

Wo

rksh

op

s

Wo

rksh

op

s Tr

avel

/Exc

han

ge

Fello

wsh

ip

Re

sear

ch

Oth

er Call / D-

line

Royal Society International Exchange

Scheme

Life & physical science * • • 3 x p/a

RSE Personal Research

Fellowships

Various • • Nov-Feb

Royal Society of

Edinburgh

JM Lessells Travel

Scholarships

Engineering • • • Feb-April

Royal Academy

of Engineering

International Research

Collaborations

Engineering • • • • •

British Academy International Partnership

and Mobility Scheme

(IPM)

Humanities, social

sciences

• • • • Dec-Jan

British Academy Newton International

Fellowship Scheme

Humanities, social

sciences

• • Jan-Feb

GBSK GBSK Grants All * • • • • • 3 x p/a

Sasakawa

Foundation

Sasakawa Butterfield

Awards

All* aspects of medicine • • • Dec

Daiwa-Anglo

Japanese

Small/Research Grants All • • • • • May/Nov

Leverhulme Trust International Academic

Fellowships

All except medicine* • • Nov

Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships All except medicine* • • • • May/Oct

Leverhulme Trust International Networks All except medicine* • • • • Cont.

Wellcome Trust Pathfinders Awards Medicine* • • • 4 x p/a

Wellcome Trust Seeding Drug Discovery Small molecule drug

discovery

• • • Nov?

Wellcome Trust Translation Fund Healthcare - strategic

projects

• • • Oct-Dec

Wellcome Trust Portfolio Awards Healthcare and related • • • Cont.

RSC Travel Grants Pedagogy in chemistry • • 4 x p/a

10 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Org Fund Name Fields UKK JJP

Wo

rksh

op

s

Wo

rksh

op

s Tr

avel

/Exc

han

ge

Fello

wsh

ip

Re

sear

ch

Oth

er Call / D-

line

RSC Travel Grants for RSC

Interest Groups

Chemistry • • • 4 x p/a

MEXT Scholarships All • • Annual?

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship

for Overseas Researchers

All • • • • • Various

JSPS Invitation Fellowships for

Research in Japan

All • • • • Various

JSPS BRIDGE Fellowship

Program

All • •

JSPS JSPS-ERC Collaboration

Framework

All • • • •

JSPS Core-to-Core Program All • • • •

JSPS Bilateral Cooperation

Program – Open

Partnership Joint

Research

Projects/Seminars

All • • • • September

RIKEN BSI Summer School Neurosciences • • • Feb-Mar

RIKEN Special Postdoctoral

Researchers Program

(SPDR)

All* • • Spring

Kyoto University Hakubi Project to Foster

and Support Young

Researchers

All • • March

Suntory

Foundation

Research Support Social science and

humanities

• • • April

Takeda Science

Foundation

Research Assist Life sciences • •

Toshiba Fellowship Programme Science and eng. (varies) • •

Shionogi Science Programme Life Sciences (Pain/CNS,

Infectious diseases)

• • • Oct

11 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Org Fund Name Fields UKK JJP

Wo

rksh

op

s

Wo

rksh

op

s Tr

avel

/Exc

han

ge

Fello

wsh

ip

Re

sear

ch

Oth

er Call / D-

line

TEPCO Memorial Foundation Electrical and energy

areas

• • • • • • Various

EU Vulcanus in Japan Engineering/science • • January

EU The Marie Skłodowska-

Curie actions

All • • • • Various

IHFSPO Human Frontier Science

Programme

Biology • • • • • Various

Canon Found Research Fellowships All • • •

EU Horizon 2020 All • • • Cont.

12 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

1. Funding schemes administered in the UK

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Research Networking Outline Intended to support forums for the discussion and exchange of ideas on a

specified thematic area, issue or problem. The intention is to facilitate

interactions between researchers and stakeholders through, for example, a short-

term series of workshops, seminars, networking activities or other events. The

standard scheme is for proposals up to £30,000, however there is additional

funding of £15,000 available per proposal to support the costs of international

collaboration.

Research fields Arts and humanities

Organisation AHRC

Nationalities UK based researchers with international partners

What is funded Up to £45,000

Calls Continuously open

Web Page http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/funding/opportunities/current/researchnetworking/

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): International Placements Scheme Outline The annual International Placement Scheme (IPS) provides funded research

fellowships at world-leading international research institutions for early career

researchers, doctoral-level research assistants and AHRC/ESRC*-funded doctoral

students. From 2015, IPS fellowships are available at:

Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin, USA

Huntington Library, San Marino, California, USA

Library of Congress, Washington D.C., USA

National Institutes for the Humanities, Japan

Shanghai Theatre Academy, China

Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., US

Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Research fields Arts and humanities

Organisation AHRC and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

ESRC candidates are eligible to apply to Library of Congress only

Nationalities All with AHRC or ESRC PhD funding , or ECRs employed at a UK RO

What is funded An overseas research fellowship, with one of our six IPS partner institutions

13 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Duration A fellowship of two to six months

Flight and visa costs of £700-£800 are paid with a £1200 a month living allowance

Calls Annually around Autumn/Winter

Web page http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/funding/opportunities/current/internationalplacementsch

eme/

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): David Phillips Scholarship Outline For scientists who have demonstrated high potential and who wish to establish

themselves as independent researchers.

Research fields Biotechnology and biological sciences

Organisation BBSRC

Nationalities All

Duration 5 years fellowship to be undertaken in an eligible institution in the UK

Calls July

Web Page http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/fellowships/david-phillips.aspx

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): International Workshops Outline Aims to stimulate joint working on topics important to BBSRC’s strategy, as well as

match numbers of scientists from the UK with other countries to identify common

interests & explore potential for international collaboration.

Research fields Biotechnology and biological sciences

Organisation BBSRC

Nationalities All countries, although the US, Canada, Brazil, EU member states, Japan, China, Taiwan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand are particularly encouraged

What is funded Around 8 awards each year, of approximately £10,000 each

The workshop can be held overseas or in the UK

Calls Annual call opens: mid September – closing date mid November check website for exact dates

Web Page http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/internationalfunding/international-workshops/

14 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): International Scientific Interchange Scheme (ISIS) Outline To help scientists add an international dimension to their BBSRC funded research

by making and establishing new contacts with international counterparts.

Research fields Biotechnology and Biological Sciences

Organisation BBSRC

Nationalities BBSRC-supported researchers are eligible

What is funded Short Term Travel Award: Normally intended as a first contact-type meeting

Allows researchers to travel outside the UK to initiate collaboration or prepare proposals with partners for international programmes (e.g. EU Framework, Human Frontier Science Program)

Long Term Travel Award: For researchers to travel outside the UK for periods of up to 12 months

Access Award: For stays of up to one month in another country to undertake a specific piece of work, access facilities not available in the UK or gain access to new techniques or materials, which would be of benefit to the BBSRC project or the UK research team

Funding is limited to travel and subsistence costs only, and does not usually exceed ~£5,000.

Duration Short term and long term travel awards

Calls Apply at least 6 weeks before travel

Web Page http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/internationalfunding/isis.aspx

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): Japan Partnering Awards Outline To set up partnership links between UK and overseas laboratories; to promote

the exchange of scientists, particularly early career scientists; to promote access to facilities.

Research fields Biotechnology and Biological Sciences

Organisation BBSRC

Nationalities Open to current BBSRC research grant holders

UK consortia of academics may apply

What is funded Typically up to £50k over a 4 year period to the UK partners for partnerships with one or more Japanese equivalents to support collaborative activities including:

Travel for one or more investigators in either direction

Visits/access to facilities

Scoping studies

Workshops and networking

Researcher exchanges

15 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Other collaborative activities

Calls Annual call opens: mid September – closing date mid November

Web Page http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/internationalfunding/japan/

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC): Fellowships Outline Fellowships are provided across three different career stages: postdoctoral, early

and established career

Research fields Engineering and physical sciences, in particular: physical sciences, engineering, ICT, mathematical sciences, manufacturing the future, healthcare technologies, energy, living with environmental change, complexity science, digital economy

EPSRC fellows may spend up to a year of their fellowship abroad working with leading researchers

Organisation EPSRC

Nationalities Any. Fellowships must be held at a UK institution

Calls At any time

Web Page http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/fellows/

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC): Overseas Travel Grants Outline Overseas travel grants (OTG) provide funding for international travel and

subsistence. They can be used to visit recognised international centres and

collaborators, in order to study new techniques and to start or develop

international collaborations.

Research fields Engineering and physical sciences

Organisation EPSRC

Nationalities UK

What is funded Travel, subsistence and other expenses

Duration Short term

Calls Continuously open

Web Page http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/howtoapply/routes/international/otgs/

16 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): Open Research Area Outline The ORA is an agreement between the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR,

France), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, Germany), the Economic and

Social Research Council (ESRC, UK) and the Nederlandse Organisatie voor

Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO, Netherlands), to fund social science research

projects. In this round there is an opportunity for Japanese collaboration.

Research fields Within ESRC’s remit: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/applicants/proposal-classifications-ESRC-disciplines.aspx

Organisation Researchers based at a recognized research organization.

Nationalities France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Japan (for this round only)

What is funded There is a special opportunity for cooperation with projects in Japan

With the aim to strengthen cooperation between researchers in Japan and Europe, JSPS as the national funding organization of Japan has established a funding scheme to support projects which are associated with ORA

Calls Tend to be Biennial – Future JSPS engagement has yet to be discussed

Web page http://www.esrc.ac.uk/research/international-research/open-research-area-ora/

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): Research Seminars Competition Outline The Research Seminars Competition is run annually and seeks to award funding to

UK research organisations to hold research seminar series. In the previous round

funding was also available for eligible institutions to hold strategic networks.

Seminar groups meet regularly to exchange information and ideas with the aim of

advancing research within their fields. Networks build collaborative systems and

groups through a wider range of activities than seminars. They reflect the core

aims set out in the ESRC's Strategic Plan to promote innovation, risk-taking and

multidisciplinary collaboration. It is expected that seminar groups and network

members are drawn from the public sector, commercial private sector, civil

society and other relevant organisations, as well as from other UK research

organisations.

Research fields Within ESRC’s remit: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/applicants/proposal-classifications-ESRC-disciplines.aspx

Organisation Researchers based at a recognized research organization

Nationalities UK

Web page http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding/funding-opportunities/research-seminars-

competition/

17 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): International Opportunities Fund Outline Aims to facilitate international collaboration aligned with NERC strategic priorities

and add value to UK environmental research and knowledge exchange capability.

To promote long-term collaborations, pump-priming for on-going, self-sustaining

activities and /or developing high-impact knowledge. Pump Priming call to

support the initiation and development of new international partnerships and a

Pump Priming Plus call to support the development of partnerships that require

more resource.

Research fields Environment

Organisations NERC

Nationalities UK, but applications can include support for international partners

What is funded The Pump Priming grants are a maximum of £40,000 per award and the Pump Priming Plus is £320,000. NERC anticipates funding up to 8 awards per round. Overseas co-funding is encouraged

Duration - 2 years in duration

Calls Pump priming call is twice a year (April and September)

Pump Priming is once a year (September)

Web page http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/partnerships/international/iof/

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): Visiting Researchers Outline On NERC research proposals, support can be requested for distinguished

researchers from the UK or overseas to be funded to visit the Investigator's

institution in order to give full time advice and assistance on research in a

particular field for up to 12 months during the project.

Research fields Environment

Organisations NERC

Nationalities UK, but applications can include support for international partners

What is funded Visiting Researchers will normally receive the same salary and conditions as other staff of an equivalent status within the Research Organisation

NERC will only pay their salary for the time that they will be directly working on the proposed project. Estates and Indirect costs will be paid where a visit exceeds 6 months

NERC will not fund a Visiting Researcher on a fellowship

Reasonable expenses will be paid for travel to and from the UK by Visiting Researchers, but not their families

The amount requested for the visit should be reduced if a contribution has been received from other sources or if the visit will be partly funded by the Visiting

18 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Researcher’s own institution

Duration 12 months

Calls All calls sponsored by NERC unless otherwise stated

Web page http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/howtoapply/forms/grantshandbook.

pdf

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC): Fellowships Outline These fellowships enable early career researchers with clear leadership potential

to establish a strong, independent research programme

Research fields Astronomy, Solar and Planetary Science, Particle Physics, Particle Astrophysics, Cosmology, Nuclear Physics

Organisation STFC

Nationalities You must hold the fellowship at any UK Institution acceptable to STFC

Fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality

What is funded Fellows will receive support for their salary, travel and subsistence and equipment and be able to bid for significant additional funds to support their research

Duration Ernest Rutherford Fellowships up to a maximum of five years

Calls September

Web page http://www.stfc.ac.uk/funding/fellowships/

Royal Society: Newton International Fellowships Outline The scheme provides the opportunity for the best early stage post-doctoral

researchers from all over the world to work at UK research institutions for a

period of two years.

Research fields Royal Society remit: The scheme covers all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine.

British Academy remit: Humanities and social sciences

Organisation The scheme is jointly run by The British Academy, The Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society

Nationalities Non-UK scientists

Some rounds are open to applications from specific countries only

What is funded Funding consists of £24,000 per annum for subsistence costs, and up to £8,000 per annum research expenses, as well as a one-off payment of up to £2,000 for relocation expenses

Duration Newton Fellowships last for two years

Calls 2 rounds per year – Japanese applicants will only be eligible to apply to the global call which opens in January

19 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Web Page https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/newton-international/

Royal Society: International Exchange Scheme Outline This scheme is for scientists in the UK who want to stimulate new collaborations

with leading scientists overseas through either a one-off visit or bilateral travel.

Research fields The scheme covers all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine

Organisation The Royal Society

Nationalities Collaborations should be based on a single project involving (or lead by) “the applicant” (UK based scientist) and “the co-applicant” (overseas based scientist)

What is funded The funding available is dependent upon the length of the visit. Applicants may request:

up to of £3,000 for one-off travel lasting up to 3 months

up to £6000 for multiple visits to be completed within 1 year (including a maximum of £1000 for research expenses)

up to £12,000 for multiple visits to be completed within 2 years and cost share projects fixed at 2 years (including a maximum of £2000 for research expenses)

Duration Awards are available for either up to 3 months, 1 year or 2 years

Calls 3 rounds per year – next round closes 14 October 2015

Web Page https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/international-exchanges/

Royal Society of Edinburgh: Personal Research Fellowships Outline The Research Fellowship scheme aims to provide outstanding researchers, who

have the potential to become leaders in their chosen field, with the opportunity to build an independent research career. Applications are accepted from researchers with two to six years postdoctoral experience, working in the physical, computational, engineering, biological, medical, natural and social disciplines. Preference will be given to research likely to enhance the transfer of ideas and technology from the research community into increasing sustainable economic growth for all. The research projects proposed must align to one or more of the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes.

Research fields Physical, computational, engineering, biological, medical, natural and social sciences.

Organisation The Royal Society of Edinburgh

Nationalities UK

20 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Eligibility Applicants MUST possess a doctorate, or equivalent higher education qualification, and MUST have two to six years relevant post-doctoral academic research experience at the time of the application closing date

Applicants are required to pursue their research in any Higher Education Institution (HEI) or Research Institute (RI) in Scotland

Applicants must show that they have an outstanding capacity for innovative research with a strong publication record relevant to their proposed field of study

Preference will be given to early career research staff in an academic or research institution. Individuals who have already obtained a tenured Lectureship position will not normally be considered

The Fellowship must be held in a Scottish Higher Education Institution (HEI) or Research Institute (RI), however, researchers may be based out with Scotland at the time of applying

What is funded 100% of employment costs and research support (up to £10,000) for the duration of the Fellowship

Duration Five years

Call/Deadline Calls annually in November. Deadline usually mid-February

Web Page https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/649_RSEPersonalResearchFellowships.html

Royal Society of Edinburgh: JM Lessells Travel Scholarships Outline These Scholarships arise from a bequest from the late Professor John Moyes

Lessells, an eminent mechanical engineer who emigrated to the United States of

America in 1920. The Scholarships are for Honours Graduates in all forms of

Engineering from Scottish Universities, who wish to study some aspect of their

profession out with the UK. Recipients of the Scholarships must indicate that they

intend to return to the UK after their period of study overseas. The Scholar will be

appointed for any period up to a maximum of one year, although visits of

approximately two to five months are strongly preferred. Visits of less than two

months will not normally be considered.

Research fields All branches of Engineering

Organisation The Royal Society of Edinburgh

Nationalities UK

21 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Eligibility pen to applicants who have already graduated with an Honours or Higher Degree in Engineering from a Sco sh Higher Educa on Ins tu on or who are currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in engineering at a Scottish University

The Scholarships are not available to pursue ac vi es overseas as part of a rst degree, nor for activities associated with an MEng

Acceptance of a Scholarship implies an inten on to spend at least two years in the United Kingdom following the period of tenure

The proposed visit should be closely related to the applicant’s PhD or post-doc research

Preference will be given to postgraduates working towards their higher degree (e.g. PhD)

What is funded Scholarships of up to £1,250 per month, pro-rata

Duration The Scholarship will be awarded for any period up to a maximum of one year, although visits of approximately 2 – 5 months are strongly preferred

Call/Deadline Calls annually around February/March. Deadline usually late April

Web Page https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/973_JohnMoyesLessellsScholarships.html

Royal Academy of Engineering: International Research Collaborations Outline The Academy runs several funding programmes which aim to encourage

international engineering collaborations, support the expansion of international

networks, and allow researchers to gain international experience and access

world-class expertise.

Research fields Engineering

Organisation Royal Academy of Engineering

Nationalities To be eligible for funding applicants must be UK citizens or permanent residents for international travel grants.

What is funded Research grants, travel expenses, subsistence and accommodation

Duration Various

Calls Please see the website.

Web Page http://www.raeng.org.uk/grants-and-prizes/international-research-and-

collaborations#sthash.dNufm53K.dpuf

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British Academy: International Partnership and Mobility Scheme (IPM) Outline The IPM Scheme aims to support the development of partnerships between the

UK and other areas of the world where research excellence would be strengthened by new, innovative initiatives and links. The scheme intends to strengthen research capacity/capability, with all partners gaining from the collaboration. Partnerships might include a range of related activities, and mobility (in the form of visits in both directions, exchanges, etc.) should form an integral part of proposals.

Research Fields Humanities and social sciences

Organisation British Academy

Nationalities Researchers based in institutions in East Asia (Japan)

Also eligible for researchers based in South Asia, South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Eurasia

What is funded Travel and maintenance costs, costs for other related activities such as organizing workshops and seminars

Duration One year or three years

Calls December – January

Web Page http://www.britac.ac.uk/funding/guide/intl/International_Partnership_and_Mobi

lity.cfm

British Academy: Newton International Fellowship Scheme Outline The scheme aims to ensure the UK engages with the best post-doctoral

researchers, across all disciplines of physical, natural and social sciences, and the

humanities, from around the world. It provides an opportunity for post-doctoral

researchers at an early career stage from any country outside the UK to work at a

UK research institution for two years.

Research fields Humanities and Social Sciences

Organisation British Academy

Nationalities All except for UK

What is funded Subsistence costs, research costs, and relocation costs

Awards include a contribution to the overheads incurred by the host institution

Duration Two years

Calls January – February

Web Page http://www.britac.ac.uk/funding/guide/intl/newton_international_fellowships.cf

m

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Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation: Grants Outline The Foundation seeks to promote mutual understanding and cooperation

between the UK and Japan through financial support for activities in various

fields. Limited travel grants are available at PhD level for fieldwork in Japan.

However, funding is primarily for postdoctoral/senior level for exchange and

collaboration between institutions and researchers in the UK and Japan. Grants

are not awarded towards course fees at whatever level.

Research fields Medicine and Health, and Science, Technology and Environment, but also arts and culture, humanities and social issues, Japanese language, sport, youth and education

Organisation The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation

Nationalities UK/Japan

Eligibility Grants are available to researchers in both the UK and Japan, with UK researchers expected to apply to our London office and Japan researchers applying to our Tokyo office

Applications are to institutions only and are not normally accepted from individuals seeking support for personal projects

The Foundation will not award grants retrospectively for completed or current projects, so applications should be for future activity

A proposal for funding that involves medical, psychological or sociological research on humans, or research using animals, should include evidence that the project has been approved by the relevant ethical review bodies at the applicant’s institution, or an undertaking that on receipt of an offer of a grant from the Foundation, such approval will be obtained prior to beginning the research

What is funded Grants are intended to provide ‘pump-priming’ and not core funding for projects. No grants are made for consumables, salaries, or for purchase of materials, rather our grants are to be used towards activity (e.g. flights, accommodation, domestic travel, subsistence)

The Foundation’s awards average £1,500 to £2,000 and do not normally exceed £5,000-£6,000 for larger-scale projects

Multiple year funding up to three years is sometimes given to larger projects

Our annual Butterfield Awards in medicine and health are for high level collaborative projects in this field, with a maximum award of £5,000 each year for up to three years

Duration We expect all project activity for our regular awards to be completed within two years of the grant being paid.

Our Butterfield Awards can run for up to three years

Call/Deadline Our London office has three annual deadlines for our regular awards:

15th December for a decision in early March

31st March for a decision by the end of May

15th September for a decision in early November

Our Tokyo office has two annual deadlines for their awards:

28th February for a decision by the end of April

30th September for a decision by the end of October

Our Butterfield Awards are only awarded once a year by our London office

24 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

(though applicants from Japan can apply)

This is the same 15th December deadline for a decision in March the following year.

Web Page www.gbsf.org.uk

Sasakawa Foundation: Sasakawa Butterfield Awards Outline Intended to facilitate exploratory exchanges and collaborations between

professionals in Japan and the UK.

Research fields Investigation of scientific, clinical, social and economic aspects of medicine

Organisation Sasakawa Foundation

Nationalities UK/Japan based researchers

What is funded Travel expenses

Calls December

Web Page http://www.gbsf.org.uk/butterfieldawards/index.html

Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation Outline The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation was established as a charity in 1988 to

promote Anglo-Japanese relations. They support scientific inks between the two

countries through a variety of mechanisms, including the two main programmes.

Research fields Various

Organisation Daiwa Anglo-Japan Foundation

Nationalities UK and Japan

What is

funded

Travel, subsistence and research expenses

Duration Up to two years

Calls Applications are accepted throughout the year and decisions are made in May and November for Daiwa Foundation Small Grants

Web Page http://www.dajf.org.uk/

25 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Leverhulme Trust: International Academic Fellowships Outline Enables established researchers based at a UK higher education institution to

spend a period of time in overseas research centres, to develop new knowledge,

skills and ideas.

Research fields All fields EXCEPT studies of disease, illness and disabilities in humans and animals, or research that is intended to inform clinical practice or the development of medical applications

Organisation The Leverhulme Trust

Nationalities UK

What is funded The maximum value of a Fellowship is £40,000

Eligible costs include: reasonable replacement cover whilst the Fellow is overseas; travel to and within the overseas country or countries; a maintenance grant to meet the increased expense of living overseas; and essential research costs

Between 10 and 15 Fellowships are awarded each year.

Duration 3 – 12 months

Calls Annual closing date in early November

Web Page https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/grant-schemes/international-academic-

fellowships

Leverhulme Trust: Visiting Professorships Outline Awarded to UK institutions that wish to invite an eminent researcher from

overseas to enhance the knowledge and skills of academic staff or the student

body within the host institution. The scheme covers maintenance, travel expenses

and research costs.

Research fields All fields EXCEPT studies of disease, illness and disabilities in humans and animals, or research that is intended to inform clinical practice or the development of medical applications.

Organisation The Leverhulme Trust

Nationalities UK/Japan

What is funded The sum requested should reflect the individual circumstances of the visitor and the nature and duration of the proposed activities

A maintenance grant up to a level commensurate with the salary of a professor in the relevant field at the receiving institution may be requested

Economy travel costs to and from the UK will also be met

Requests for associated costs, if justified by the programme, may include, for example, travel within the UK, laboratory consumables, and essential technical assistance.

26 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Duration 3 – 12 months

Calls Closing dates in May and October each year

Web Page https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/grant-schemes/visiting-professorships

Leverhulme Trust: International Networks Outline Enables a UK-based researcher to build a new collaborative research project with

overseas institutions.

Research fields All fields EXCEPT studies of disease, illness and disabilities in humans and animals, or research that is intended to inform clinical practice or the development of medical applications

Organisation The Leverhulme Trust

Nationalities UK

What is funded Awards are normally made up to £125,000, although requests for higher amounts will be considered if an appropriate case can be made

Typical costs include international travel and subsistence and the salary of a Network Facilitator of up to £25,000 per annum (including National Insurance and pension).

Duration Up to 3 years

Calls First-stage outline applications can be submitted at any time

Web Page https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/grant-schemes/international-networks

Wellcome Trust: Pathfinders Awards Outline Pilot funding to catalyse early-stage applied R&D projects in areas of unmet need.

Research fields Discrete high-quality experiments to demonstrate proof-of-concept data assay development

IP development for a critical experiment to validate IP (in strong cases)

Stimulating product development that could ultimately improve the outlook for patients with orphan and neglected diseases

Encouraging effective partnership between a public sector applicant (academic or not-for-profit entity) and a company partner (see ‘Partnerships’)

Organisation Wellcome Trust

Nationalities Outside UK needs to be partnership between industry and academia or not for profit organisation

What is funded Wellcome Trust contribution capped at £100,000

Must be evidence of matched funding contribution from the Industry partner

Duration Up to 18 months

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Calls There will be four deadlines a year, subject to available budget

Web Page http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Innovations/Awards/Pathfinder-

Awards/index.htm

Wellcome Trust: Seeding Drug Discovery Outline Aim to develop drug-like, small molecules that will be the springboard for further

research and development by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in

areas of unmet medical need.

Research fields Funding to facilitate early-stage small-molecule drug discovery

The awards help applicants with a potential drug target or new chemistry embark on a programme of compound discovery and/or take later stage projects towards clinical trials

Organisation Wellcome Trust

Nationalities Proposals are welcome from academic and commercial organisations, of any size, based anywhere in the world

What is funded Early-stage drug discovery projects (Screen to Lead) are able to apply for funding for up to two years to facilitate screening of chemical compounds to identify one or more lead series of molecules

Late-stage (Lead to Clinical) projects, where a lead compound has already been identified, are able to apply for funding for up to four years, to support lead optimisation and preclinical development through to clinical trials

Duration Project duration will be determined by how advanced the project is

Calls The next deadline for preliminary applications is 4 November 2015

Web Page http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Innovations/Awards/Seeding-Drug-

Discovery/index.htm

Wellcome Trust: Translation Fund Outline Looking for truly exceptional, paradigm shifting projects that - due to the

combination of potential high impact, risk, scale or complexity - warrant strategic

status

Research fields Wide range of biomedical developments can be considered, including therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, enabling technologies, medical devices and regenerative medicine

Organisation Wellcome Trust

Nationalities Proposals are welcome from academic and commercial organisations based in the UK and overseas

Calls Prospective applicants are welcome to contact Innovations to discuss their proposal before submitting a concept note, but are not required to do so.

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The deadlines for 2015/16 are as follows:

Concept note deadline: 16 October 2015

Preliminary application deadline: 11 December 2015

Committee meeting: July 2016 (presentations by shortlisted applicants)

Web Page http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Innovations/Awards/Translation-

Fund/index.htm

Wellcome Trust: Portfolio Awards Outline The aim to fund programmes that require a portfolio-approach to deliver

ambitious innovations that will have profound healthcare impact which cannot be fully realised through a project-based approach. New funding scheme launched in January 2015 First Awards will be made in Q4 2015.

Research fields A variety of fields of technology development within healthcare will be considered, including therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices and regenerative medicine

Proposals that draw upon multiple disciplines, such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and engineering, are equally encouraged

Organisation Wellcome Trust

Nationalities Applications will need to demonstrate clear arrangements for leadership and management of the portfolio of projects, whether this involves a single institution or a consortium

Calls Open call

Web Page http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Innovations/Awards/Portfolio-

Awards/index.htm

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Travel Grants Outline Travel grants are available to enable members of the Royal Society of Chemistry

to attend conferences and events which are primarily concerned with the

dissemination of good practice in learning and teaching in the chemical sciences

i.e. pedagogy.

Research fields Applications are especially welcome from those in the early stages of their career in the area of chemical education.

Organisation RSC

Nationalities RSC Journals authors travelling to engage in international collaborative research

RSC members travelling to a scientific meeting organised by the RSC

RSC members travelling to a science education meeting or to a scientific laboratory overseas

What is funded Travel expense

Calls Application forms must be received by 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October

29 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Web Page http://www.rsc.org/ScienceAndTechnology/Funding/TravelGrants/

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Travel Grants for RSC Interest Groups Outline Two main aims:

To collaborate actively in research;

To give or receive special expertise and training.

Research fields Funds are available to assist RSC Interest Groups organising a scientific meeting

Organisation RSC

Nationalities ALL

What is funded Up to a maximum of £2,500 will normally be available

Calls Application forms must be received by 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October

Web Page http://www.rsc.org/ScienceAndTechnology/Funding/TravelGrants/InterestGroups

.asp

30 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

2. Funding schemes administered in Japan

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT): Scholarships Outline Scholarships for foreign students to study in higher education institutions in

Japan. You can apply as a

Research Student;

Teacher Training Student;

Undergraduate Student.

Research fields All

Organisation MEXT

Nationalities Nationality of a country which has diplomatic relations with the Japanese government

What is funded Monthly stipend

Calls Annually

Web Page https://www.uni.international.mext.go.jp/scholarship/mext/

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Postdoctoral Fellowship for Overseas Researchers Outline Standard

The purpose of this program is to provide opportunities young postdoctoral

researchers from overseas to conduct, under the guidance of their hosts,

cooperative research with leading research groups in Japanese universities and

other institutions.

Short-term for North American and European Researchers

The purpose of this program is to provide opportunities to young pre-and

postdoctoral researchers from the US, Canada and Europe to conduct, under

other institutions.

JSPS Summer Program

This program is offered to young pre- and postdoctoral researchers from the six

countries of the US, the UK, France, Germany, Canada and Sweden.

Held over a 2-month period in the summer, it provides the participants with an

orientation in Japanese language and culture and an opportunity to do

cooperative research at a Japanese research at a Japanese university or research

31 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

institute.

Pathway to University Positions in Japan

The purpose of this program is to promote the employment of overseas

researchers in full-time position at Japanese universities and other institutions. It

offers the institutions a funded means of inviting postdoctoral researchers from

other countries to do pre-employment research in their institutions

Research fields All

Organisation JSPS

Nationalities All

Calls UK researchers are to apply for Standard: through JSPS Tokyo call, as well as the Royal Society and the British Academy as the nominating authorities, Short-term for North American and European Researchers: through JSPS Tokyo call and JSPS London call, JSPS Summer Program: through British Council Tokyo call, Pathway to University Positions in Japan: through JSPS Tokyo call.

Web Page http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/index.html

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Invitation Fellowships for Research in Japan Outline Long-term: Mid-career to Professor level

This program allows researchers employed at designated Japanese research

institutions to invite fellow researchers from other countries to Japan to

participate in cooperative activities at their research institutions.

Short-term: Professor, Associate Professor

This program allows researchers employed at designated Japanese research

institutions to invite fellow researchers from other countries to Japan from short

periods of time to participate in discussion, attend seminars, give lectures, or

conduct similar activities at their institutions.

Short-term S: Nobel Prize Level

Under this program, overseas researchers who have eminent records of research

achievements and awards on a Nobel Prize level and who are actively leaders in

their fields are invited to Japan to give lecture, guide research, and conduct other

activities.

Research fields ALL

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Organisation JSPS

Nationalities ALL

Calls Various

Web Page http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/index.html

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): BRIDGE Fellowship Program Outline This program is to provide exclusively for regular members of officially

established JSPS alumni associations who have conducted research activities in

Japan under the Postdoctoral Fellowships for Foreign Researchers or other JSPS

programs. It gives them an opportunity to create, sustain and/or strengthen

research collaborations with Japanese colleagues.

Research fields All

Organisation JSPS

Nationalities Depends on each JSPS Alumni Association. Please refer to the association’s by Law.

Web Page http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/bridge/

JSPS Alumni Association of the UK and the Republic of Ireland:

http://www.jsps.org/alumni_association/index.html

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)：JSPS-ERC Collaboration Framework Outline JSPS-European Research Council Collaboration Framework provides JSPS Research

Fellows based in Japan with opportunities to conduct joint research with ERC Grant

Holders based in EU.

Research fields All

Organisation JSPS/ERC

Nationalities UK&Japan

What is funded Subsidiaries, travel

Call Details will be updated in December

Web page http://www.jsps.go.jp/j-pd/data/haken/FY2016JSPS-ERC.pdf

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Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): Core-to-Core Program Outline This program supports joint research projects, seminars, and researcher exchanges

through collaborative relations established among research/education institutions

in Japan and around the world to create world-class research hubs.

Research fields All

Organisation JSPS

Applicant

Eligibility

Applications must be submitted to JSPS through Japanese universities and research institutions by project coordinators who are the affiliated researchers of eligible organizations in Japan. (Please see the website for eligibility of project cooridinator)

What is funded Duration：Up to 5 years

Travel expenses and others (JSPS provides funding to Japanese core institutions. UK core institutions are to obtain matching funds from funding agencies/organizations in UK.)

Call Please see the website

Web page http://www.jsps.go.jp/j-pd/data/haken/FY2016JSPS-ERC.pdf

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)：Bilateral Cooperation

Program – Open Partnership Joint Research Projects/Seminars - Outline Open Partnership Joint Research Projects/Seminars provides Japanese

researchers an opportunity to do a joint research project or a seminar with

researchers around the world who reside in a country that has diplomatic

relations with japan, plus, Taiwan and Palestine..

Research Fields All academic fields

Organisation JSPS

Applicant

Eligibility

At the time their application is submitted, applicants must hold a full time or equivalent position as a researcher at a university or research institute in Japan. However, there are cases when a researcher not employed in a full time position may be eligible. His/her affiliated institution must judge them able to implement the project and to provide an appropriate research environment for it.

What is funded NOTE: JSPS supports the following expenses for Japanese team only

Joint Research Projects: International travel, Domestic travel, Other expenses

Joint Seminars: International travel, Domestic travel, Meeting expenses

Duration Joint research Projects: Up to 2 years

Joint Seminars: Up to 1 week

Calls Annually – usually open around June and applications are accepted around September

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Web Page http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-bilat/index.html

Contact for JSPS Programmes in UK:

JSPS London

Tel: +44-(0)20-7255-4660 E-mail: enquire@jsps.org

URL: http://www.jsps.org

RIKEN Brain Science Institute: Summer School Outline Designed to encourage and further the education of young neuroscientists and

emerging researchers as they enter the international neuroscience community.

Research Fields Neurosciences

Organisation RIKEN Brain Science Institute

Duration June-August

Calls Februrary - March

Web Page http://www.brain.riken.jp/en/summer/index.html

RIKEN: Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program (SPDR) Outline Scheme for foreign postdoctoral researchers at RIKEN. Applicants should have a

PhD in the natural sciences.

Research fields Physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, and any other related fields

Organisation RIKEN

Nationalities All nationalities-non-Japanese citizens

What is funded Salary

Duration Up to 3 years

Calls Spring

Web Page http://www.riken.jp/en/careers/programs/spdr/

Kyoto University: Hakubi Project to Foster and Support Young Researchers Outline Programme to foster young talented researchers (20 positions per year).

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Research fields All

Organisation Kyoto University

Nationalities All nationalities

What is funded Research funds and salary

Duration 5 years

Calls March

Web Page http://www.hakubi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/eng/index.html

Suntory Foundation: Research Support Outline The Foundation offers support for ongoing research activities with international

and interdisciplinary significance in such social science and humanities fields as

government, economics, society and culture.

Research fields Social sciences and humanities

Organisation Suntory Foundation

Nationalities Based at Japanese research institute

Calls April

Web Page http://www.suntory.com/sfnd/research/index.html

Takeda Science Foundation: Research Assist Outline Research grants for researchers based at Japanese institutions.

Research fields Life, medical or pharmaceutical sciences

Organisation Takeda Science Foundation

Nationalities For researchers based at Japanese research institutes

Calls Various

Web Page http://www.takeda-sci.or.jp/assist/

Toshiba: Fellowship Programme Outline Toshiba, supported by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research

36 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

Council) offers outstanding European scientists the opportunity to join one of its

high-technology research teams in Japan for up to two years.

Research fields The research areas vary broadly from year to year in the field of science and engineering

The Programme offers the successful Fellow a generous package including a fixed salary and travel to and from Japan

Organisation Toshiba

Nationalities EU Nationality

Web Page www.toshiba-europe.com/eur/fellowship/

Shionogi: Shionogi Science Program Outline One of the leading pharmaceutical companies Shionogi & Co., Ltd, established in

1879, has been making serious efforts to identify good research seeds and to develop them into innovative pharmaceuticals. They first launched the academia and industry collaboration program in Japan in fiscal 2007; following the successes with this local scheme, Shionogi has started “SHI N GI Science Program” in 2011 to seek further collaboration opportunities with foreign researchers. Shionogi hope to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and help those who suffer from diseases, and also to fulfill their unmet medical needs.

Research fields Target areas include Pain/CNS and infectious diseases

Organisation Shionogi & Co., Ltd

Nationalities Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and Japan. Researchers must carry out their research in these targeted twelve countries

What is funded Research funding

Duration Adopted applicants will receive annual research funding up to 15 million Japanese yen with a maximum of 5 years.

Calls Applications are to be submitted to Shionogi between 1 and 30 October via the website.

Web Page www.shionogi.co.jp/ssp/

TEPCO Memorial Foundation Outline TEPCO Memorial Foundation provides funding such as research grants, support

for international technological interaction and scholarship benefits with the aim

of promoting creative basic research in the electrical and energy fields,

international contribution to these research areas and cultivating young

researchers.

Research fields Electrical and energy fields.

Eligibility for research grants or support for technological interaction is

37 | U K - J a p a n S & I : S o u r c e s o f F u n d i n g

stipulated as basic research in diverse fields that has the aim of improving technology pertaining to industry and lifestyle in electricity-related fields on a wide scale.

Organisation Tokyo Electric Power Company

Nationalities All. But a researcher should be affiliated with Japanese (domestic) university, graduate school or equivalent research institution. (students are not eligible)

What is funded Research grant including partial travel expense, conference registration fee, and accommodation expense

Duration Various

Calls Various

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3. Funding schemes administered at the

European/International level

European Commission (EU): The Vulcanus in Japan Outline Vulcanus in Japan started in 1997. The programme consists of industrial

placements for EU students. It starts in September and ends in August of the

following year in order to accommodate the academic year in EU Member States.

Research fields Various

Organisation EU

Nationalities The candidate should be a student of engineering or science at an EU University, enrolled in at least the fourth year of studies, when applying to the vulcanus programme. The candidate should be able to provide a certificate of enrollment at the university valid until at least 3 months prior to the starting of the programme. Must be EU citizen.

What is funded This programme is financed by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the Japanese host company.

The European students are awarded a grant (Yen 1,900,000) to cover the cost of travel to and from Japan and living expenses in Japan

There is no charge for the language course and seminar, and accommodation is provided free of charge during the course and seminar and the company traineeship.

Calls January

Web Page http://www.eu-japan.eu/vulcanus-japan-0

European Commission (EU): The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions Outline The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, named after the double Nobel Prize

winning Polish-French scientist famed for her work on radioactivity, support

researchers at all stages of their careers, irrespective of nationality. The MSCA

also support industrial doctorates, combining academic research study with work

in companies, and other innovative training that enhances employability and

career development.

Research fields Across all disciplines, from life-saving healthcare to blue-sky science

Organisation EU

Nationalities EU Nationality

What is funded In addition to generous research funding, scientists have the possibility to gain experience abroad and in the private sector, and to complete their training

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with competences or disciplines useful for their careers

Calls Various

Web Page http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/

International Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO): Human Frontier Science Programme Outline The HFSP supports novel, innovative and interdisciplinary basic research focused

on the complex mechanisms of living organisms; topics range from molecular and

cellular approaches to systems and cognitive neuroscience and the interactions

between organisms. A clear emphasis is placed on novel collaborations that bring

biologists together with scientists from fields such as physics, mathematics,

chemistry, computer science and engineering to focus on problems at the

frontier of the life sciences.

Research fields Research Grants

Research grants are provided for teams of scientists from different countries who

wish to combine their expertise in innovative approaches to questions that could

not be answered by individual laboratories.

Emphasis is placed on novel collaborations that bring together scientists

preferably from different disciplines (e.g. from chemistry, physics, computer

science, engineering) to focus on problems in the life sciences.

Post Doctoral Fellowships

HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships are available for scientists who wish to work in

foreign laboratories, with emphasis on individuals early in their careers who wish

to obtain training in a different field of research. Fellows may choose to stay for

up to three years in the host country or use the last year of their fellowship to

return to their home country or to move to another HFSPO member country.

Fellows who return to their home countries or move to an HFSP member country

that is different from the Fellowship host country are eligible to apply for a

Career Development Award.

Career Development Award (CDA)

The Career Development Award (CDA) funds HFSP fellows who return to their

home country or move to an HFSP member country to establish their

independent laboratory. It is the primary funding mechanism offered by HFSP

that aims at encouraging repatriation of postdoctoral researchers after the

fellowship tenure abroad

Organisation HFSP

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Nationalities Various

What is funded Travel and research activities

Calls Various

Web Page http://www.hfsp.org/funding/research-grants (research grant)

http://www.hfsp.org/funding/postdoctoral-fellowships(postdoctoral fellowships)

http://www.hfsp.org/funding/career-development-awards (Career development

award)

Canon Foundation in Europe: Research Fellowships Outline Annually, the Canon Foundation in Europe grants up to 15 Fellowships to highly

qualified European and Japanese researchers. European nationals should have

permanent citizenship in the country.

Research fields All

The candidates hold a doctorate or at least a Master’s degree

They are eligible during the ten-year period following the successful completion of their PhD or MA degree

Extensions to the ten-year rule are possible in principle in case of exceptional circumstances which should be explained in the application and supporting documents are required

The European Fellowship holders pursue a period of research in Japan whereas the Japanese Fellows do their research at host institutions in Europe

Organisation Canon Foundation in Europe

Nationalities EU National

What is funded The Fellowships are awarded for periods of minimum three months and maximum one year

The Fellowships are awarded regardless of discipline and existing employment positions

Web Page http://www.canonfoundation.org/programmes_1_fellow.html

European Commission (EU): Horizon 2020 Outline Horizon 2020 is the European Union’s funding instrument for multi-partner

research and innovation projects. It is intended to connect industrial and

academic research. Horizon 2020 is the world’s largest and most open research

funding programme for partners from all over the globe. Partners in Japan as a

high tech country need to bring their own funding to self-finance their part of the

research to join the project.

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Research fields With a smaller contribution, they get access to a much bigger research project and its results. Sometimes, project partners will also prepare results for standardisation

As an EU instrument, a minimum of 3 different partners from 3 different countries in Europe need to be in the consortium, with one taking the role of the project co-ordinator

Any additional partners from ‘low income countries’ will be funded by the EU. Horizon 2020 is based on thematic “calls for proposals”

Proposals must be highly competitive and well managed; they are evaluated by independent external experts

Any IPR remains with project partners. Before a project is signed off, IPR arrangements must be agreed between all partners involved in the project

For 2014/2015, there are 12 areas under “H2020” open with calls totalling €15 billion-please see the above website

Organisation European Comission (EU)

Nationalities ALL

What is funded Collaborative research, networking projects, travels and international activities

Web Page http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/h202

0/index.html

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to all of the funders who provided information for this guide, for their information and their

support for UK-Japan collaboration on science and innovation.

For their comments and insight quoted in the introduction, our sincere thanks to:

Dr Rosanna Smith (Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), University College London)

Dr Dmitry Nerukh, Systems Analytics Research Institute, Department of Mathematics, Aston University

Dr Fumihiko Imamura, Professor of Tsunami Engineering, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University

Dr Adrian Moore, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN

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